Should be a good one at the Honda Center later tonight as the Sharks play the Ducks for the third time in two months.

The Sharks won the first two games this season against their Orange County rivals, as they stormed out to a 4-0 lead in a October 26 win in Anaheim, then took a 5-1 lead a month later at home before holding on to a 6-4 win.

“We have to find our game right away, and in games past so far against them this year, we’ve been able to do that,” said Sharks forward Tommy Wingels, who had four points in San Jose’s win over Anaheim on Nov. 29. “You look at keys to your success in previous games and try to continue to do those things.”

“This team has completely outplayed us the first two games, and we need to be better tonight,” the Ducks’ Ben Lovejoy said today. “We need to come at it with energy, we need to be wide awake. This is a huge game and I think guys in the room are excited.”

“Every game since I’ve been here, we talk about the San Jose Sharks’ starts. They come at you incredibly hard right away and often are able to build a lead. We need to match that and maybe even exceed it.”

There was some speculation before that second meeting with the Ducks about Todd McLellan’s job status. The Sharks had lost four straight, which included three straight at home, and seven of nine. But that win over the Ducks turned the season around.

McLellan, speaking on a more personal level, talked today about what it was like for him during that time frame. He’s faced adversity before, of course, but it never seemed like his job was in real jeopardy until this season.

“I know that can start real quick again, so we just come to work every day,” McLellan said. “Those are the cliches that coaches will give you. But when those rumors start, you’re not prepared as a coach. You don’t get training for that. You can spend as many games as you want in the league and learn about power play, penalty kill, matching lines and all of that type of stuff. But when that happens, you have to stay focused.”

The game is also the last before the Sharks begin their Christmas break. McLellan said these kind of games, where an extended break is on the horizon, can be a little concerning.

“I think tonight’s game will be a good test for our young leaders. These games, pre- and post-Christmas, and pre- and post-All Star Game always scare me,” McLellan said. “Where’s the focus, and can the coaching staff and the leadership group pull everybody together and to be ready to play?”

Antti Niemi gets the start in goal tonight for the Sharks, his fourth straight. In one lineup change, Chris Tierney comes out of the lineup, Andrew Desjardins moves back to center with Tye McGinn and John Scott as his wingers.